Recap by phillip woo

Amazing Gift was ridden from a wide gate to lead 1,250m, straightened two lengths on top after getting away with slow mid-sectionals and edged clear to score an upset win at his 14th start following a gear change. Bright Concept pushed forward from a wide gate to sit one off in second, straightened three deep and kept plugging away to just hold New Pet for second. New Pet settled one off in fourth, stayed near the inside upon straightening and kept plugging away to add further value to the tierce. Everspring settled fifth along the paint, straightened four deep and kept on evenly with every chance. Happily Time recovered to settle midfield along the rails following a tardy break, rounded the final bend four-to-five deep and made a mild bid to wear down the one-paced Captain America to finish next best. Captain America had every chance following a one-off run in midfield with cover. Favourite Helene's Choice was caught deep without cover behind midfield, made his move to get to third at the 500m, swung the final bend with two wider out and was struggling 250m out. Second favourite Everyone's Choice dropped out approaching the 400m after settling in the box-seat after jumping alertly.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (365)-YUE MAN HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Metres

HAPPILY TIME, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin.

Shortly after the start SOUTHCHINA COMMAND was momentarily crowded for room between CAPTAIN AMERICA and NEW PET, both of which shifted ground.

GLOBAL FAME, which was being shifted across behind HELEN'S CHOICE, clipped the heels of that horse and blundered passing the 1600 Metres due to both horses shifting ground.

HELEN'S CHOICE lost its left hind plate near the 1500 Metres.

Approaching the 1300 Metres, CAPTAIN AMERICA was steadied away from the heels of NEW PET (N Rawiller) which shifted in when not properly clear.

N Rawiller was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future.

Near the 1000 Metres, SOUTHCHINA COMMAND shifted out away from the heels of CAPTAIN AMERICA and bumped HELEN'S CHOICE.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of M Demuro (HAPPILY TIME), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

When questioned, J Moreira stated that although HELEN'S CHOICE travelled wide and without cover throughout the race, nonetheless the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to stretch out over the final 200 Metre.

He said whilst he was not able to detect whether the horse was sore or not, nonetheless he felt that HELEN'S CHOICE did not feel comfortable in its action in the latter stages of the race.

A veterinary inspection of HELEN'S CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of HELEN'S CHOICE, a favourite for tonight's race, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, HELEN'S CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

When questioned, K C Leung stated that he had been instructed to go forward on KHARU and lead if possible.

He said in the early stages he rode KHARU aggressively in order to comply with his instructions, however, despite being ridden along, KHARU did not show early speed and as it became apparent to him that AMAZING GIFT and BRIGHT CONCEPT were showing more pace than KHARU when also being ridden along, he elected to discontinue riding KHARU along and attempt to obtain a position with cover.

He said this resulted in the horse racing much further back in the field than had been intended.

A veterinary inspection of KHARU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of EVERYONE'S CHOICE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

Before being allowed to race again, EVERYONE'S CHOICE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

HELEN'S CHOICE, AMAZING GIFT and BRIGHT CONCEPT were sent for sampling.